The Tilt Table Test
If you suffer from fainting spells, a tilt table test is used to help determine the causes of these spells. (In order to help rule out other possible causes of your fainting spells, you may be asked to undergo other tests, such as an exercise treadmill test, an echocardiogram, or a Holter monitoring recording.)

As a patient, the tilt table test is a fairly simple, non-invasive procedure in which you’ll lie down on a special table. This table can rotate from horizontal (which will hold you in a lying-down position) to almost vertical (which will hold you in a standing-up position). During the test, your blood pressure and your heart’s electrical activity will be monitored. The nurse or doctor administering the test will remain with you. If any friends or family have accompanied you, they will be asked to stay in the waiting room while the test is in progress. The tilt table test usually lasts between one and two hours.

Preparing for the Test
Three to four days prior to taking the test, check with your doctor about which of your current medications you should stop taking and when you should stop taking them. It’s also a good idea to make arrangements with a family member or friend to drive you home after the test is over.

At least one or two days before, ask your doctor for instructions about eating and drinking prior to the test. Usually, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything for six or eight hours before the test is scheduled. This is usually recommended to help prevent nausea, which can sometimes happen during the test.

On the day of the test, bring along a list of all the medications you are currently taking and give this list to your doctor. It's important to list the exact names and dosages. Before the tilt table test actually begins, you’ll be given a complete explanation of the test, and you’ll be asked to sign some consent forms. Please use this time to ask any further questions that you may have about the test.

During the Test
In preparation for the test, you’ll be asked to lie down on the tilt table. An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted into one arm, while a cuff to measure your blood pressure will be placed on the other arm. Electrodes to monitor your heart rhythm will be placed on your chest. Safety straps will be positioned across your chest and legs to help hold you on the table as it slowly moves.

The test begins with you and the table lying flat. The table will then be tilted so that your head will be almost upright (about 60 – 80 degrees from horizontal). Once in this position, you’ll be monitored for up to 45 minutes before being returned to the flat position. Depending on the results, you may be given an adrenaline-like medication to help induce syncope. This may cause your heart to pound, and you will be tilted upright again (possibly for another 45 minutes).

At any time during the test, if you begin to feel symptoms like the ones you had during previous fainting or near-fainting spells, immediately notify the nurse or doctor performing the test. If you do faint during the test, the table will be returned to its flat position, and the test will be stopped.

After the Test
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Pre-Procedural Instructions

• Discuss with your doctor if you should temporarily stop taking any medications until after the test.
  
• Ask your doctor about restrictions on eating and drinking before the test.
  
• Write down a list of the medications you are currently taking. Bring this list with you to the test.
  
• Ask a friend or family member to drive you home after the test.
  
• Ask your doctor any questions you may have about the test.

Contact Information

Laboratory
6800 IH-10 West, Suite 350
San Antonio, TX 78201

Phone: (210) 615-1234
Fax: (210) 615-0990

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